Ub-Net

Ub-Net

Ubiquitin Networks (Ub-Net)

Ubiquitin is a small protein that occurs almost everywhere (i.e. is ubiquitous) and has a regulatory function in many cellular processes. It is attached to other proteins, changes their characteristics and functions within the cells, thereby regulating important processes such as the breakdown of proteins, the repair of DNA damage, the transmission of signals within a cell and cell death.

Ubiquitin can be bound to other proteins in many different ways – sometimes only one ubiquitin molecule is attached, sometimes branched chains of several ubiquitin molecules. Scientists call it a secret code, which is transmitted by those different molecular structures of ubiquitin and which still needs to be deciphered. Errors in this sophisticated system have not only been linked to numerous diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s, but also to the development and progression of infections and inflammatory diseases. In addition, ubiquitin seems to play an important role in biological ageing. To date, however, little is known about how small errors in this system contribute to the development of serious diseases and how targeted therapeutic measures can be taken.

This is where the LOEWE research cluster comes in. The scientists involved are striving to decipher the complexity of ubiquitin networks and to analyse the underlying molecular details. They hope to be able to develop new strategies for the treatment of diseases and to gain novel insight into the mechanisms of biological ageing.